HubOS: Improving and redesigning a local-first, privacy-by-design operating system for smart home applications

Details

Supervisors

Riviere, Etienne

Faculty

Ecole polytechnique de Louvain

Degree label

Master [120] en cybersécurité, à finalité spécialisée: conception et analyse de systèmes

Abstract

enIn recent years, the rapid evolution of technology and the growing demand for constant connectivity have led to an increasing adoption of connected home devices, such as smart cameras, thermostats, smart speakers, and various sensors. To achieve this, users can either rely on plug-and-play connected devices that communicate with cloud servers operated by third-party companies, or they can choose to build their own home automation systems. Both approaches present distinct advantages and limitations. However, when it comes to accessing data flows from these devices remotely, while they operate within a private domestic environment, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of the data remains a significant challenge. HubOS aims to address this issue by proposing a privacy-by-design system that places data security at the core of its architecture. This objective is achieved through the adoption of a new design referred to as Local-First, which prioritizes local data processing before allowing any interaction with external resources. By minimizing unnecessary data exposure and reducing reliance on external cloud services, HubOS seeks to provide a more secure and privacy-preserving approach to smart home connectivity.